Apparatus and method for facilitating supporting of an object

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and methods for facilitating supporting of an object are disclosed. One such apparatus includes an engagement member attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support. The engagement member preferably occupies less volume in the first configuration than in the second configuration. The support may include a lifting member such as a forklift tine, or may include a support surface, for example.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for facilitating supporting of an object. For example, some embodiments of the invention relate to apparatuses for facilitating the supporting or lifting of a bulk container by a lifting member such as a forklift tine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many applications benefit from apparatuses and methods for facilitating the supporting of an object. For example, bulk containers, often referred to as flexible intermediate bulk containers or “FIBCs”, are typically used for lifting, transporting and storing bulk materials in powder, granular, flake or other particulate forms. The bulk containers are typically provided in the form of large bags or sacks made of a flexible woven fabric, such as woven polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester or other synthetic materials, for example.

[0003] Many such bulk containers have the capacity to hold large quantities of materials, often weighing one tonne or more when filled. Accordingly, in order to lift the containers when filled, it is typically necessary to employ a mechanical supporting or lifting device, such as a forklift, for example. However, due to the flexibility of the containers and the weight of the materials stored therein, if forklift tines were to be forcibly inserted between the bottom of the bulk container and the ground or surface on which it is resting, this may pose a risk of damaging the bulk container. Even in the absence of damage, the flexibility of the container poses a risk that the container may fall off the forklift when lifted above the ground.

[0004] A number of approaches have been previously proposed or implemented to attempt to address this difficulty. One such approach involves loops or straps formed in or sewn onto the fabric of the bulk container itself. However, this approach fails to provide clearance under the container to allow forklift tines to be inserted thereunder, or to allow access to the bottom of the container. Also, the flexibility of the straps may pose some difficulties for inserting the forklift tines into the straps, sometimes requiring manual guidance. In addition, the straps or loops may be inconvenient to stitch or otherwise attach to the bulk containers with sufficient supporting strength, with the result that retrofitting of existing containers may be inconvenient in some cases.

[0005] Another existing approach involves the use of wooden reinforcing members. Each reinforcing member is typically formed as a hollow elongated rectangular member, defining an elongated rectangular channel therein for receiving a forklift tine. The reinforcing members may be inserted into respective fabric loops extending from opposite edges of a bottom panel of the bulk container. Thus, the reinforcing members may support the bulk container above the ground, and the forklift tines may be inserted into the reinforcing members to lift the container. However, the shape and weight of such reinforcing members may be inconvenient for many purposes. For example, shipping costs associated with transporting such wooden reinforcing members to users of bulk containers tend to be high, in part because of the weight of the wood, but more significantly, due to the volume occupied by the reinforcing members and in particular by the hollow channels defined therein. Effectively, the shipper must pay to transport significant volumes of air enclosed within the hollow channels. Similarly, if the reinforcing members are to be re-used, they occupy significant storage space due to the hollow channels defined therein.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved way of facilitating supporting of an object such as a bulk container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention addresses the above need by providing, in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object. The apparatus includes an engagement member attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support.

[0008] Due to the adjustability of the engagement member from the first configuration to the second configuration, it is not necessary for the engagement member to be in the second configuration when it is shipped or transported. Thus, the engagement member may be shipped, transported, or stored in the first configuration, which may include a configuration more convenient for such purposes. The engagement member need not be attached to the object and adjusted into the second configuration until it is needed, to engage the support.

[0009] Preferably, the engagement member occupies less volume in the first configuration than in the second configuration. Thus, in such embodiments, shipping costs may be significantly reduced, as the engagement members may be shipped in the smaller-volume first configuration, and only adjusted into the second configuration when needed. Similarly, the required storage volume for such engagement members is also advantageously decreased.

[0010] The engagement member may be configured to engage a lifting member, when in the second configuration. For example, the engagement member may be configured to engage a forklift tine, when in the second configuration. The engagement member may be shaped to define a channel in the engagement member for receiving the lifting member therein, when in the second configuration.

[0011] The engagement member may be configured to engage a support surface to support the object above the surface, when in the second configuration.

[0012] The engagement member may include an attachment portion for attaching the engagement member to the object, and may further include an engagement portion for engaging the support.

[0013] The engagement portion may include a central portion and at least one side portion. The at least one side portion may include first and second side portions disposed on opposite sides of the central portion.

[0014] The engagement member may be substantially planar in the first configuration. Similarly, the engagement member may be non-planar in the second configuration. For example, the engagement member may include a first portion and a second portion, and the second portion may be substantially perpendicular to the first portion in the second configuration.

[0015] Thus, where the engagement member includes a central portion and at least one side portion, the central portion and the at least one side portion may be substantially coplanar in the first configuration and may be non-coplanar in the second configuration. For example, the central portion and the at least one side portion may be substantially perpendicular in the second configuration.

[0016] The at least one side portion may be pivotally connected to the central portion, and thus, the apparatus may further include a pivotal connector pivotally connecting the at least one side portion to the central portion. For example, the pivotal connector may include fabric material attached to the central portion and to the at least one side portion. The engagement member may be adjustable between the first configuration and the second configuration by pivoting the at least one side portion relative to the central portion.

[0017] The apparatus may further include a retainer for retaining the engagement member in the second configuration. The retainer may be engageable with the engagement member to retain the engagement member in the second configuration. For example, the retainer may be engageable with the at least one side portion to achieve this. Thus, where the at least one side portion includes first and second side portions pivotally connected to opposite sides of the central portion, the retainer may include a retainer clip engageable with the first and second side portions. Or, the retainer may include a portion of the attachment portion.

[0018] The engagement member may have first and second ends and may extend in a lengthwise direction therebetween.

[0019] The engagement member may be curved in the second configuration. For example, the engagement portion may be substantially planar in the first configuration and may be curved about an axis parallel to the lengthwise direction in the second configuration.

[0020] As a more particular example, the engagement member may be arch-shaped in the second configuration. Thus, due to the inherent strength of an arch-shaped configuration, thinner, more light-weight materials may be used for the engagement member or portions thereof, thereby reducing the cost and weight of the engagement member, as well as its volume when in the first configuration.

[0021] The engagement member may include legs at opposite sides thereof. If so, then each of the legs may extend from a side of the engagement member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the engagement portion in the first configuration.

[0022] The engagement member may be shaped to define a first engagement channel extending in the lengthwise direction for receiving a lifting member therein, when in the second configuration.

[0023] The engagement member may include first and second opposing sides extending in the lengthwise direction, the sides having respective recesses defined therein. If so, the recesses may be shaped to define a second engagement channel extending substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction for receiving the lifting member therein, when the engagement member is in the second configuration. Alternatively, or in addition, each of the recesses may be shaped to define a clearance space for receiving a strap extending from the object.

[0024] The engagement portion may include first and second opposing surfaces, the second surface defining a plurality of spaced apart recesses in the engagement portion, each of the recesses extending along the engagement portion in the lengthwise direction.

[0025] Each of the recesses defined by the second surface may be V-shaped when in the first configuration. For example, each of the recesses may be defined by first and second intersecting walls formed by the second surface. The first wall may have a protrusion extending therefrom, in which case the second wall may have a complementary recess shaped to snugly receive the protrusion therein when the engagement portion is in the second configuration.

[0026] The attachment portion may include a gripping device configured to grip a strap extending from the object. For example, the gripping device may include a plurality of teeth located to cooperate with a wall of a cavity defined in the engagement member, to grip the strap therebetween. If so, the gripping device may include a serrated tongue extending into the cavity, the teeth being defined by serrations of the tongue.

[0027] The engagement member may be adjustable from the first to the second configuration by bending the engagement portion about the axis with the second surface at a lesser distance from the axis than the first surface, whereby the recesses are reduced in width.

[0028] Alternatively, the engagement member may be adjustable from the first to the second configuration by bending the engagement portion about the axis with the second surface at a greater distance from the axis than the first surface, whereby the recesses are expanded in width.

[0029] The attachment portion may include fabric material. For example, the fabric material may be attached to the first surface of the engagement portion. Or, the attachment portion may include a surface of the engagement portion.

[0030] The attachment portion may include at least one fastener for releasably fastening to the object. For example, the at least one fastener may include a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0031] The engagement member may also be adjustable from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0032] The engagement member may include corrugated cardboard, or polyethylene, or any suitable plastic material, for example. Thus, light-weight and relatively inexpensive materials may be used. Alternatively, the engagement member may include other materials, such as wood or metal, for example.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system including an apparatus as described above, and further including the object. The object may include a container, such as a flexible intermediate bulk container, for example. The system may further include a second apparatus as described above. In the latter case, the object may include an attachment member attachable to the apparatus and to the second apparatus, for example.

[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object. The apparatus includes means for attaching an engagement member to the object, and further includes means for adjusting the engagement member from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of facilitating supporting of an object. The method includes adjusting an engagement member attachable to the object from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support.

[0036] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object, according to a first embodiment of the invention, shown in a first configuration;

[0039]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, shown in a second configuration in which it is configured to engage a support;

[0040]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a system including an object and a pair of apparatuses such as that shown in FIG. 2, shown in the second configuration;

[0041]FIG. 4 is a side view of the system shown in FIG. 3;

[0042]FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, shown in the first configuration;

[0043]FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, shown in the second configuration;

[0044]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object, according to a second embodiment of the invention, shown in a first configuration;

[0045]FIG. 8 is an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7, shown in the first configuration;

[0046]FIG. 9 is an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7, shown in a second configuration in which it is configured to engage a support;

[0047]FIG. 10 is an end view of an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object, according to a third embodiment of the invention, shown in a first configuration;

[0048]FIG. 11 is an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10, shown in a second configuration in which it is configured to engage a support;

[0049]FIG. 12 is an end view of an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, shown in a first configuration;

[0050]FIG. 13 is an end view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 12, shown in a second configuration in which it is configured to engage a support;

[0051]FIG. 14 is a cross-section of the apparatus along line 14-14 shown in FIG. 12;

[0052]FIG. 15 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 12;

[0053]FIG. 16 is a top view of an attachment portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 12;

[0054]FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the attachment portion shown in FIG. 16;

[0055]FIG. 18 is a fragmented perspective view of a serrated tongue of the attachment portion shown in FIGS. 16 and 17;

[0056]FIG. 19 is an end view of an object to which a pair of apparatuses shown in FIG. 12 are to be attached;

[0057]FIG. 20 is a fragmented end view of the object shown in FIG. 19 and the apparatus shown in FIG. 12 attached thereto;

[0058]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an attachment member attachable to a pair of apparatuses shown in FIG. 12; and

[0059]FIG. 22 is a top view of a pallet formed by a pair of apparatuses shown in FIG. 12 and a plurality of attachment members shown in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown generally at (20) in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes an engagement member (22) attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration shown generally at (24) in FIG. 1, to a second configuration shown generally at (26) in FIG. 2, in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a system including the apparatus (20) and further including the object is shown generally at (27), and the object is shown generally at (28). In the present embodiment, the object (28) includes a container (30), which in this embodiment includes a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) for use in lifting, transporting or storing bulk materials in powder, granular, flake or other particulate forms. The container (30) has a bottom panel (32), in which is defined a discharge spout (34) for allowing discharge of the bulk materials stored therein when desired. The container (30) of the present embodiment is made from a flexible woven fabric, or more particularly, of woven polypropylene. Alternatively, other suitable materials may be substituted. More generally, other types of containers may be substituted for the container (30), and similarly, other types of objects may be substituted for the object (28).

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, in the present embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes both the engagement member (22) and a second engagement member (23) which in this embodiment is identical to the engagement member (22). Alternatively, however, the engagement members (22) and (23) need not be identical, although at least left-right symmetry may be preferred for many applications. In this embodiment, the engagement members (22) and (23) are attached to the object (28), or more particularly, to the bottom panel (32) of the container (30). More particularly still, in this embodiment the engagement members (22) and (23) are attached to the object in the second configuration (26) shown in FIG. 2, in which the engagement members are configured to engage a support.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the support may include a lifting member shown generally at (36). In this embodiment, the lifting member (36) includes first and second forklift tines (38) and (40). Thus, in the present embodiment the engagement members (22) and (23) are configured to engage a lifting member, namely, the forklift tine, when in the second configuration (26). Alternatively, however, the engagement members may be configured to engage other types of lifting members when in the second configuration.

[0064] More generally, referring to FIG. 4, the engagement members (22) and (23) may be configured to engage other types of supports when in the second configuration (26). For example, the support may include a support surface such as that shown at (42) in FIG. 4, which in turn may include a floor or the ground, for example. Thus, in this embodiment the engagement members (22) and (23) are also configured to engage the support surface (42), to support the object (28) above the surface (42), when in the second configuration (26).

[0065] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment the engagement member (22) occupies less volume in the first configuration (24) shown in FIG. 1 than in the second configuration (26) shown in FIG. 2. More particularly, in this embodiment the engagement member (22) in the first configuration (24) has a first configuration thickness (50) of approximately 0.75 inches (1.905 cm), a first configuration width (52) of approximately 17.5 inches (44.45 cm), and a length (54) of approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm), and thus occupies a volume of approximately 472.5 cubic inches (7,742.86 cm³). In contrast, in the second configuration (26), the engagement member (22) of the present embodiment has a second configuration thickness (56) of approximately 4.75 inches (12.065 cm), a second configuration width (58) of approximately 8 inches (20.32 cm), and its length is unchanged at approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm), and thus occupies a volume of approximately 1368 cubic inches (22,417.42 cm³). Alternatively, however, other dimensions may be substituted.

[0066] Thus, in the present embodiment, the engagement member (22) in the first configuration (24) occupies only about one-third the volume that it occupies when in the second configuration (26). Advantageously, therefore, because the engagement member (22) is adjustable from the first configuration (24) to the second configuration (26), it may be shipped in the first configuration (24), in which it occupies significantly less volume, thereby significantly reducing shipping costs. After delivery, the engagement member (22) may be economically stored in the first configuration (24) until it is required to be in the second configuration (26) for engaging a support such as a forklift tine or other lifting member, for example, at which time it may be adjusted into the second configuration.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the engagement member (22) is shown in greater detail. In this embodiment, the engagement member (22) includes an attachment portion shown generally at (60) for attaching the engagement member to the object, and an engagement portion shown generally at (62) for engaging the support.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, in this embodiment the attachment portion (60) includes fabric material (64), and also includes at least one fastener for releasably fastening to the object (28). More particularly still, in this embodiment the at least one fastener of the attachment portion (60) includes a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro™ fasteners for example, several of which are shown at (66) for illustrative purposes. In this embodiment the hook-and-loop fasteners (66) of the attachment portion (60) are integral with the fabric material (64), and are attachable to a plurality of complementary hook-and-loop fasteners (not shown) provided on the bottom panel (32) of the container (30) at opposite sides thereof. Thus, in this embodiment the attachment portion (60) may be used for attaching the engagement member (22) to the object (28).

[0069] However, any other suitable types of attachment portions, or alternatively, any other suitable ways of attaching the engagement member to the object, may be substituted. For example, if a particular embodiment includes the fabric material (64), the fabric may be glued or stitched to the bottom panel (32) of the container (30). As a further example, the engagement member (22) may be inserted into a sleeve (not shown) of the bottom panel (32), in which case the attachment portion (60) may include a surface of the engagement portion (62), such as an outer surface (68) of the engagement member (22) in the second configuration (26) for example, for cooperating with such a sleeve. Alternatively, other ways of attaching the engagement member to the object will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing this specification.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment the engagement portion (62) includes a central portion (70) and at least one side portion. More particularly, in this embodiment the at least one side portion includes first and second side portions (72) and (74) disposed on opposite sides of the central portion (70). Alternatively, for some applications, one of the side portions may be omitted if desired. Similarly, other types of engagement portions may be substituted for the engagement portion (62).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, in this embodiment the central portion (70) and the first and second side portions (72) and (74) are composed of corrugated cardboard. More particularly, in the present embodiment the central and side portions are formed by stitching together three layers of thick corrugated cardboard and cardboard backing material to form a thick corrugated cardboard layer having a thickness (76) of approximately 0.75 inches (1.905 cm). The central and side portions may then be cut from this thick layer. In this embodiment, the central portion (70) has a width (78) of approximately 8 inches (20.32 cm), and each of the side portions (72) and (74) has a width (80) of approximately 4 inches (10.16 cm). The central and side portions all have a length (54) of approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm), which is equal to the approximate length of the container (30). Alternatively, however, any other suitable dimensions may be substituted. Similarly, any other suitable materials may be substituted for the corrugated cardboard. For example, if desired, the engagement portion (62) of the engagement member (22) may include wood, plastic, or metal. Preferred materials for the engagement portion (62) typically have low manufacturing cost, light weight to reduce shipping costs, and sufficient rigidity or strength to engage a support such as a forklift tine for example, to facilitate supporting of the object.

[0072] In this embodiment, the central portion (70) and the first and second side portions (72) and (74) are attached to the fabric material (64). More particularly, in this embodiment the fabric material (64) includes a sheet of fabric approximately 17.5 inches (44.45 cm) in width by 36 inches (91.44 cm) in length. The first and second side portions, which in this embodiment are each 4 inches (10.16 cm) in width by 36 inches (91.44 cm) in length, are attached at opposite sides of the fabric material (64), and the central portion (70) is attached to the fabric material centered between the side portions, leaving a gap (82) of approximately 0.75 inches (1.905 cm) between the central portion (70) and the first side portion (72), and leaving a similar 0.75 inch (1.905 cm) gap (84) between the central portion (70) and the second side portion (74). In this embodiment, the central and side portions are stitched to the fabric material (64). Alternatively, other ways of attaching these portions to the fabric may be substituted.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, the apparatus (20) includes a pivotal connector pivotally connecting the at least one side portion to the central portion (70). More particularly, the apparatus of the present embodiment includes first and second pivotal connectors (86) and (88) pivotally connecting the first and second side portions (72) and (74) to the central portion (70). More particularly still, in this embodiment the pivotal connector (86) includes the fabric material (64) attached to the central portion and to the first side portion (72) in the vicinity of the gap (82), and similarly, the pivotal connector (88) includes the fabric material (64) attached to the central portion and to the second side portion (74) in the vicinity of the gap (84). In this regard, it will be appreciated that the flexibility of the fabric material (64) across the gaps (82) and (84) allows the first and second side portions to pivot about respective axes (90) and (92), the axes being coincident with respective lines at which respective outer sides (94) and (96) of the central portion (70) intersect with the fabric material (64). Alternatively, other types of pivotal connectors, such as hinges for example, may be substituted for the fabric material (64) to act as the pivotal connectors (86) and (88).

[0074] Thus, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment the engagement member (22) is adjustable between the first configuration (24) shown in FIG. 5 and the second configuration (26) shown in FIG. 6, by pivoting the at least one side portion relative to the central portion (70). More particularly, in this embodiment, to adjust the engagement portion (22) from the first configuration (24) to the second configuration (26), the first side portion (72) may be rotated 90° counter-clockwise about the axis (90), so that an inner side (98) of the first side portion (72) snugly contacts an outer portion (100) of an engagement surface (102) of the central portion (70). In this regard, in the present embodiment the width of the fabric pivotal connector (86) across the gap (82) is approximately equal to the thickness (76) of the central portion (70), which assists in providing the snug contact between the inner side (98) of the first side portion (72) and the outer portion (100) of the engagement surface (102) of the central portion (70).

[0075] Similarly, to complete the adjustment of the engagement member (22) from the first configuration (24) to the second configuration (26) in the present embodiment, the second side portion (74) is rotated 90° clockwise about the axis (92), so that an inner side (104) of the second side portion (74) snugly contacts an outer portion (106) of the engagement surface (102) of the central portion (70). Thus, in the present embodiment the pivotal connectors (86) and (88) may be used for adjusting the engagement member (22) from the first configuration (24) to the second configuration (26) in which the engagement member is configured to engage the support. Alternatively, however, any other suitable way of adjusting the engagement member from the first configuration to the second configuration may be substituted.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment the engagement member is substantially planar in the first configuration (24), and is non-planar in the second configuration (26). More particularly, in the present embodiment the central portion (70) and the at least one side portion (namely, the side portions (72) and (74)) are substantially coplanar in the first configuration (24) shown in FIG. 5, and are non-coplanar in the second configuration (26) shown in FIG. 6. More particularly still, in this embodiment the central portion and the at least one side portion are substantially perpendicular in the second configuration (26). In this regard, although deviations from perpendicularity may be permissible for some embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that such deviations may tend to increase lateral forces acting upon the at least one side portion, thereby potentially decreasing the ability of the at least one side portion to engage the support or to support the object above a support surface. Thus, in this embodiment the engagement member (22) includes a first portion (in this case the central portion (70)) and a second portion (the at least one side portion), and the second portion is substantially perpendicular to the first portion in the second configuration (26).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, in this embodiment the apparatus (20) further includes a retainer shown generally at (110), engageable with the at least one side portion to retain the engagement member (22) in the second configuration (26). More particularly, in this embodiment the retainer (110) includes a retainer clip (112) engageable with the first and second side portions (72) and (74). In this embodiment, the retainer clip (112) includes a sheet metal clip with edges (114) and (116) sufficiently sharp to be insertable into respective ends (118) and (120) of the first and second side portions (72) and (74), which in this embodiment are composed of corrugated cardboard. Although a single retainer clip (112) may suffice for some purposes, preferably, a plurality of retainer clips (112) are provided. For example, in the illustrative example shown in FIG. 3, a retainer clip is provided in the center and at each end of the engagement member (22), although for other applications more or fewer retainer clips may be desirable.

[0078] Alternatively, however, instead of retainer clips, the retainer (110) may include virtually any suitable structure, substance or method for retaining the engagement member (22) in the second configuration. For example, referring to FIG. 5, if desired, the fabric material (64) may include fabric extensions (not shown) extending outward well beyond either or both of the ends (118) and (120) of the first and second side portions (72) and (74), each of the fabric extensions being more than half the width (78) of the central portion (70) and having hook-and-loop fasteners for engaging with complementary hook-and-loop fasteners on the other one of the fabric extensions, so that the fabric extensions may be connected to one another in substantially the same location as the retainer clip (112) shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, only one such fabric extension wider than the width (78) may be provided, or fabric strips may be substituted for a similar purpose.

[0079] As a further illustrative example, the retainer (110) may include an adhesive such as glue applied between the surfaces of the inner side (98) and the outer portion (100), and between the surfaces the inner side (104) and the outer portion (106), to prevent the first and second side portions from pivoting back out of the second configuration (26). These and other types of suitable retainers will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing this specification.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, in this embodiment the engagement member (22) is shaped to define a channel in the engagement member for receiving the lifting member (36) therein, when in the second configuration (26). More particularly, in this embodiment the engagement member (22) in the second configuration (26) effectively defines an engagement channel (130), in a volume defined between the engagement surface (102) of the central portion (70), engagement surfaces (132) and (134) of the first and second side portions (72) and (74), and a plane in which the retainer clips (112) of the present embodiment are located. In this embodiment, the engagement channel (130) has a width (136) of approximately 6.5 inches (16.51 cm), a height (138) of approximately 4 inches (10.16 cm), and a length of approximately 36 inches (91.44 cm). Therefore, in the present embodiment the engagement channel (130) is sufficiently large to receive the lifting member (36), which in this embodiment includes a forklift tine, therein. Thus, when the engagement members (22) and (23) are attached to the bottom panel (32) of the container (30) in the second configuration (26), the forklift tines (38) and (40) may be inserted into respective engagement channels (130) and (131) of the engagement members (22) and (23), to lift the container (30). For example, in the case of the engagement member (22), an upper surface of the forklift tine (38) engages against the engagement surface (102) of the central portion (70) and applies an upward lifting force thereto, while at the same time the engagement surfaces (132) and (134) of the side portions (72) and (74) engage against respective sides of the forklift tine if necessary, to prevent the forklift tine from sliding laterally (i.e., in the direction of the width (136)) out of the engagement channel (130), and the retainer (110) retains the side portions (72) and (74) perpendicular to the central portion (70), preventing the side portions from splaying outward under any lateral forces that may be encountered during the lifting.

[0081] Alternatively, however, referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, for some applications the engagement member (22) need not define an engagement channel therein. For example, if a particular application involves use of the engagement members (22) and (23) only to engage a support surface such as the support surface (42) shown in FIG. 4 to support the object (28) above the surface, an engagement channel need not be defined by the engagement member.

[0082] As a further example, referring to FIG. 3, even if the engagement member (22) is to be used to engage the lifting member (36), an engagement channel (130) may be omitted in some circumstances. For example, it will be appreciated that due to the left-right symmetry that will typically be encountered with forklift lifting of a symmetrical object, for some applications, one of the side portions (72) or (74) of the engagement member (22) may be omitted. For example, depending on the particular application, the engagement members (22) and (23) shown in FIG. 3 may include side portions only on their outside edges, or conversely, only on their inside edges. However, it will be appreciated that depending on the particular application, valuable lateral strength may be lost by the omission of one of the side portions. If desired, this loss of lateral strength may be countered in part by providing a stronger retainer (110), such as a larger surface area of adhesive securing a thicker side portion to the end portion of the engagement surface (102), for example, although this may result in larger volume of the engagement member in the first configuration (24) for shipping purposes. As a further variation, the engagement members (22) and (23) may include solid blocks, either integrally formed or formed by folding a central portion and at least one side portion together, for engaging the sides of the forklift tines, although this may disadvantageously result in direct contact of the forklift tines with the object (28), and increased volume of the engagement member (22) in the first configuration (24) for shipping purposes.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown generally at (200) in FIG. 7. The apparatus (200) includes an engagement member (202) attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration shown generally at (204) in FIGS. 7 and 8 to a second configuration shown generally at (206) in FIG. 9 in which the engagement member (202) is configured to engage a support.

[0084] Referring back to FIG. 3, in this embodiment the object and the support respectively include the container (30) and the forklift tine (38) shown in FIG. 3.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, in the present embodiment the engagement member (202) includes an attachment portion (208) for attaching the engagement member to the object, and an engagement portion (210) for engaging the support.

[0086] The engagement member (202) of the present embodiment has first and second ends (214) and (216), and extends in a lengthwise direction (218) therebetween.

[0087] In this embodiment, the engagement member (202) is curved in the second configuration (206). More particularly, in this embodiment the engagement portion (210) is substantially planar in the first configuration (204) shown in FIG. 8, and is curved about an axis (220) parallel to the lengthwise direction (218) in the second configuration (206) shown in FIG. 9. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment the engagement member (202) is arch-shaped in the second configuration (206).

[0088] In this embodiment, the engagement portion (210) includes first and second opposing surfaces (222) and (224). The second opposing surface (224) defines, in the engagement portion (210), a plurality of spaced apart recesses, one of which is shown generally at (226) for illustrative purposes. Each of the recesses extends along the engagement portion (210) in the lengthwise direction (218).

[0089] In this embodiment, the engagement portion (210) is made from plastic, although alternatively, other materials may be substituted, such as metal or wood for example. Preferably, the material is compact and light-weight to reduce shipping costs, and is sufficiently flexible to be adjusted between the first and second configurations (204) and (206) as discussed below, but is sufficiently strong when in the arch-shaped second configuration (206) so as to be able to support the object. Although the engagement member (202) of the present embodiment is composed of plastic, which is typically more expensive that corrugated cardboard, due to the inherent strength of the arch-shaped second configuration (206), a thinner engagement member may be provided, requiring a relatively small amount of plastic for its production, thereby reducing production cost as well as shipping weight and volume.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the recess (226) and the other spaced apart recesses defined in the engagement portion (210) are V-shaped when in the first configuration (204). More particularly, in this embodiment the recesses are formed by cutting respective V-shaped slots or grooves into the engagement portion (210) when it is in the first configuration (204), each V-shaped slot or groove extending along the entire length of the engagement portion (210) in the lengthwise direction (218). Alternatively, however, other shapes or types of recesses may be substituted.

[0091] In this embodiment, the engagement member (202) is adjustable from the first configuration (204) shown in FIG. 8 to the second configuration (206) shown in FIG. 9 by bending the engagement portion (210) about the axis (220) with the second surface (224) at a lesser distance from the axis than the first surface (222), whereby the recesses are reduced in width. For example, in the second configuration (206) shown in FIG. 9, the recess (226) and the other spaced apart recesses in the engagement portion (210) have closed together, effectively reducing them to approximately zero width.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in this embodiment, the attachment portion (208) includes fabric material attached to the first surface (222) of the engagement portion (210). In this regard, the fabric material may be glued to the first surface, or may be attached in any other suitable way. In this embodiment the fabric material of the attachment portion (208) includes a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners (230) for engaging with a plurality of complementary hook-and-loop fasteners on the bottom panel of the object, for attaching the engagement member (202) to the object. Alternatively, however, the attachment portion (208) may be glued to the object, or may be attached in any other suitable way. Similarly, in other embodiments the attachment portion (208) might not include fabric material. For example, in one variation of this embodiment the attachment portion (208) may simply include the first opposing surface (222) of the engagement portion (210).

[0093] In this embodiment, the apparatus (200) further includes a retainer shown generally at (240) in FIGS. 8 and 9, engageable with the engagement member (202) to retain the engagement member in the second configuration (206). In the present embodiment, the retainer (240) includes a portion of the attachment portion (208). More particularly, in this embodiment the retainer (240) includes a first plurality (242) of hook-and-loop fasteners and a second plurality (244) of complementary hook-and-loop fasteners engageable with the first plurality (242) of hook-and-loop fasteners. The first plurality (242) of fasteners is disposed on a lower surface (246) of a first side (248) of the attachment portion (208), while the second plurality (244) of fasteners is disposed on an upper surface (250) of a second, opposing side (252) of the attachment portion (208). When the engagement member (202) is adjusted from the first configuration (204) to the second configuration (206) by bending it about the axis (220), the first and second sides (248) and (252) of the attachment portion (208) may be folded radially inward and may be pressed together to engage the first and second pluralities (242) and (244) of fasteners together, to retain the engagement member (202) in the second configuration (206). Alternatively, however, the retainer (240) may include other types of retainers. For example, one or more retainer straps or retainer clips may be substituted.

[0094] In this embodiment the engagement member (202) in the second configuration (206) effectively defines an engagement channel (260), in a volume defined between the second surface (224) of the engagement portion (210), and a plane in which the retainer (240) of the present embodiment is disposed. In this embodiment, the engagement channel (260) is sufficiently large to receive the support, which in this embodiment includes a forklift tine, therein.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, it will be appreciated that in the present embodiment, as with the previously discussed embodiment, the engagement member (202) in the first configuration (204) occupies significantly less volume than it occupies when in the second configuration (206). Advantageously, therefore, the engagement member (202) may be shipped in the first configuration (204), in which it occupies significantly less volume, thereby significantly reducing shipping costs, and later, when required, the engagement member (202) may be adjusted to the second configuration (206) for engaging a support such as a forklift tine.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown generally at (300) in FIG. 10. The apparatus (300) includes an engagement member (302) attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration shown generally at (304) in FIG. 10 to a second configuration shown generally at (306) in FIG. 11 in which the engagement member (302) is configured to engage a support.

[0097] Referring back to FIG. 3, in this embodiment the object and the support respectively include the container (30) and the forklift tine (38) shown in FIG. 3.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in the present embodiment the engagement member (302) includes an attachment portion (308) for attaching the engagement member to the object, and an engagement portion (310) for engaging the support. In this embodiment, the engagement portion (310) includes a contacting portion (312) for contacting the support, and further includes a separation member (314) for maintaining a desired separation between the support and the object.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 7, 10 and 11, the engagement member (302) of the present embodiment bears some similarity to the engagement member (202) shown in FIG. 7, insofar as it has first and second ends and extends in a lengthwise direction therebetween, the lengthwise direction being normal to the planes of FIGS. 10 and 11. The engagement portion (310) is substantially planar in the first configuration (304) shown in FIG. 10, and is curved about an axis (320) parallel to the lengthwise direction in the second configuration (306) shown in FIG. 11.

[0100] In this embodiment, the engagement portion (310), or more particularly, the separation member (314) thereof, includes first and second opposing surfaces (322) and (324). The second opposing surface (324) defines a plurality of spaced apart recesses in the engagement portion (310), including a recess shown generally at (326) for illustrative purposes. Each of the recesses extends along the engagement portion (310) in the lengthwise direction parallel to the axis (320).

[0101] In this embodiment, the separation member (314) of the engagement portion (310) is made from plastic, although alternatively, other materials may be substituted, such as metal or wood for example. Preferably, the material is compact and light-weight to reduce shipping costs, and is sufficiently flexible to be adjusted between the first and second configurations (304) and (306) as discussed below, but is sufficiently strong when in the arch-shaped second configuration (306) so as to be able to support the object.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the recess (326) and the other spaced apart recesses defined in the engagement portion (310) are formed by cutting respective thin slots or grooves into the separation member (314) of the engagement portion (310), each slot or groove extending along the entire length of the engagement portion (310) in the lengthwise direction, parallel to the axis (320).

[0103] In this embodiment, the engagement member (302) is adjustable from the first configuration (304) shown in FIG. 10 to the second configuration (306) shown in FIG. 11 by bending the engagement portion (310) about the axis (320) with the second surface (324) at a greater distance from the axis (320) than the first surface (322), whereby the recesses are expanded in width. For example, in the first configuration (304) shown in FIG. 10, the recess (326) is a thin cut or slot extending along the length of the engagement member (302) parallel to the axis (320). In contrast, in the second configuration (306) shown in FIG. 11, the recess (326) and the other spaced apart recesses in the engagement portion (310) have expanded into V-shaped grooves extending in the second surface (324).

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the attachment portion (308) includes a surface of the engagement portion (310), or more particularly, an upper surface of the separation member (314). The attachment portion (308) may be glued to the object, or may be attached in any other suitable way. For example, the attachment portion (308) may include a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners for engaging with a plurality of complementary hook-and-loop fasteners on the bottom panel of the object, for attaching the engagement member (302) to the object.

[0105] In this embodiment, the apparatus (300) further includes a retainer shown generally at (340) in FIGS. 10 and 11, for retaining the engagement member (302) in the second configuration (306). In the present embodiment, the retainer includes a portion of the contacting portion (312). More particularly, the retainer (340) includes a first plurality (342) of hook-and-loop fasteners and a second plurality (344) of complementary hook-and-loop fasteners, engageable with each other in a manner similar to that discussed above in connection with the retainer (240) shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. For instance, the first plurality (342) of fasteners may be disposed on a lower surface of a first side of the contacting portion (312), while the second plurality (344) of fasteners may be disposed on an upper surface of a second, opposing side of the contacting portion (312). When the engagement member (302) is adjusted from the first configuration (304) to the second configuration (306) by bending it about the axis (320), the first and second sides of the contacting portion (312) may be folded radially inward and may be pressed together to engage the first and second pluralities (342) and (344) of fasteners together, to retain the engagement member (302) in the second configuration (306). Alternatively, however, the retainer (340) may include other types of retainers. For example, one or more retainer straps or retainer clips may be substituted.

[0106] Thus, in this embodiment the engagement member (302) in the second configuration (306) effectively defines an engagement channel (360), in a volume enclosed by the contacting portion (312) of the engagement portion 310. In this embodiment, the engagement channel (360) is sufficiently large to receive the support, which in this embodiment includes a forklift tine, therein.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in the present embodiment, as with the previously discussed embodiments, the engagement member (302) in the first configuration (304) occupies significantly less volume than it occupies when in the second configuration (306). Advantageously, therefore, the engagement member (302) may be shipped in the first configuration (304), and may later be adjusted to the second configuration (306) when needed.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 12 through 21, an apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown generally at (400) in FIG. 7. The apparatus (400) includes an engagement member (402) attachable to the object. In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) is adjustable from a first configuration shown generally at (404) in FIG. 12 to a second configuration shown generally at (406) in FIG. 13 in which the engagement member (402) is configured to engage a support.

[0109] Referring back to FIG. 3, in this embodiment the object and the support respectively include the container (30) and the forklift tine (38) shown in FIG. 3.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, in the present embodiment the engagement member (402) includes an attachment portion such as that shown at (408) in FIG. 14 for attaching the engagement member to the object, and further includes an engagement portion shown at (410) in FIG. 12 for engaging the support.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 15, the engagement member (402) of the present embodiment has first and second ends (414) and (416), and extends in a lengthwise direction (418) therebetween. In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) has a length in the lengthwise direction of approximately 1220 mm.

[0112] In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) is curved in the second configuration (406). More particularly, in this embodiment the engagement portion (410) is substantially planar in the first configuration (404) shown in FIG. 12, and is curved about an axis (420) parallel to the lengthwise direction (418) in the second configuration (406) shown in FIG. 13. Thus, in this embodiment the engagement member (402) is arch-shaped in the second configuration (406).

[0113] In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) is made from high-density polyethylene. Alternatively, however, other materials may be substituted for polyethylene, such as plastic, metal or wood for example. As with previously discussed embodiments, the material is preferably compact and light-weight to reduce shipping costs, and is preferably sufficiently flexible to be adjusted between the first and second configurations (404) and (406) as discussed below, but is sufficiently strong when in the arch-shaped second configuration (406) so as to be able to support the object. Although the engagement member (402) of the present embodiment is composed of high-density polyethylene, which is typically more expensive that corrugated cardboard, due to the inherent strength of the arch-shaped second configuration (406), a thinner engagement member may be provided, requiring a relatively small amount of plastic for its production, thereby reducing production cost as well as shipping weight and volume. In addition, the engagement member (402) of the present embodiment has a number of holes defined therethrough (discussed in greater detail below), which further reduce its production cost and shipping weight. As with the previously discussed embodiments, the engagement member (402) in the first configuration (404) occupies significantly less volume than it occupies when in the second configuration (406). Advantageously, therefore, the engagement member (402) may be shipped in the first configuration (404), in which it occupies significantly less volume, thereby significantly reducing shipping costs, and later, when required, the engagement member (402) may be adjusted to the second configuration (406) for engaging a support such as a forklift tine.

[0114] In the present embodiment, when the polyethylene engagement member (402) is first formed and is still warm from the initial manufacturing process, the engagement member is repeatedly bent back and forth between the first configuration (404) and the second configuration (406) while it cools to room temperature. This procedure results in a permanent flexibility, sometimes referred to as a “living hinge” effect, which allows the engagement member (402) to be adjusted between the first and second configurations at any time thereafter. Alternatively, if desired, the engagement member (402) may be simply bent into and held in the second configuration (406) until it has fully cooled to room temperature, in which case the engagement member (402) will tend to permanently remain in the second configuration (406), although this latter approach would lack many of the advantages disclosed herein.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 15, in this embodiment, the engagement portion (410) includes first and second opposing surfaces (422) and (424). The second opposing surface (424) defines, in the engagement portion (410), a plurality of spaced apart recesses, one of which is shown generally at (426) for illustrative purposes. Each of the recesses extends along the engagement portion (410) in the lengthwise direction (418).

[0116] In this embodiment, the engagement member (402) is adjustable from the first configuration (404) shown in FIG. 12 to the second configuration (406) shown in FIG. 13 by bending the engagement portion (410) about the axis (420) with the second surface (424) at a lesser distance from the axis than the first surface (422), whereby the recesses are reduced in width. For example, in the second configuration (406) shown in FIG. 13, the recess (426) and the other spaced apart recesses in the engagement portion (410) have closed together, effectively reducing them to approximately zero width.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the present embodiment, the recesses defined by the second surface (424) are generally V-shaped when in the first configuration (404). More particularly, in this embodiment the exemplary recess (426) has an irregular V shape. More particularly still, in the present embodiment the recess (426) is defined by first and second intersecting walls (428) and (430) formed by the second surface (424). The first wall (428) has a protrusion (432) extending therefrom, and the second wall (430) has a complementary recess (434) shaped to snugly receive the protrusion (432) therein when the engagement portion is in the second configuration (406) shown in FIG. 13.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment the engagement member (402) has a transverse thickness (436), which in this embodiment is approximately 6 mm, except in the immediate vicinities of each of the recesses and the ends (414) and (416) of the engagement member (402). At the location of the recess (426), the first and second intersecting walls (428) and (430) of the present embodiment intersect at a point within the thickness (436) of the engagement member, the point of intersection being located approximately 2 mm below the first surface (422). In this embodiment, the first and second intersecting walls (428) and (430) intersect at an angle of approximately 30° when the engagement member (402) is in the first configuration (404). The first and second intersecting walls (428) and (430) extend away from the engagement member (402) to a perpendicular distance of approximately 13 mm below the first surface (422). In this embodiment, the protrusion (432) and complementary recess (434) extend from approximately 4 mm below to 11 mm below the first surface (422) as shown in FIG. 12.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, it has been found that the irregularity of the V-shape of the recess (426), which results from the shapes of the protrusion (432) and of the complementary recess (434) in which the protrusion is snugly received, increases the shear strength of the mating between the first and second intersecting walls (428) and (430) when the engagement member (402) is in the second configuration (406).

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, in this embodiment the engagement member (402) includes legs at opposite sides thereof, each of the legs extending from a side of the engagement member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the engagement portion (410) in the first configuration (404). In this embodiment, the legs include first and second legs (440) and (442) shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. When in the first configuration (404) shown in FIG. 12, each of the legs extends to a perpendicular distance of approximately 19 mm from the first surface (422). The first and second legs (440) and (442) have respective outside surfaces (444) and (446), each of which intersects the first surface (422) at a right angle thereto. When the engagement member (402) is adjusted from the first configuration (404) shown in FIG. 12 to the second configuration (406) shown in FIG. 13, the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442) are effectively rotated 90°, from a vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 12 to a horizontal orientation shown in FIG. 13, pointing radially inward toward the axis (420). Thus, if the engagement member (402) in the second configuration (406) is placed on a surface such as the ground for example, the engagement member is supported by the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442), which rest upon the ground. Referring to FIG. 14, in this embodiment the engagement member (402) has similar additional legs (not shown), having respective outside surfaces (448), (450), (452) and (454).

[0121] Referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment the recesses such as the recess (426) are spaced apart along the engagement member (402) at a center-to-center distance of 52 mm from one another, and the centers of the outside recesses are located a distance of 50 mm from the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442) respectively. Thus, in the present embodiment the engagement member (402) has a total width (460) of 360 mm when in the first configuration (404).

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in this embodiment the engagement member (402) includes a plurality of holes defined through the transverse thickness (436) of the engagement member (402), one such hole being shown at (462), for example. In this embodiment, each of the holes is cylindrical, having a diameter of 32 mm. The holes serve to reduce the manufacturing cost and shipping weight of the engagement member (402). In addition, some of the holes may be used to allow the insertion of one or more attachment straps therethrough to assist in attaching the engagement member (402) to the container or other object, as discussed in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 16 through 20. For this purpose, the engagement member (402) of the present embodiment includes the attachment portion (408), and includes a plurality of identical attachment portions (464), (466), (468), (470), (472), (476), (478) and (480).

[0123] Also in this embodiment, the engagement member (402) includes a plurality of connectors shown generally at (482). In this embodiment the connectors (482) include a plurality of receptacles (484) linearly arranged along the engagement member (402) in the lengthwise direction (418), for receiving a plurality of corresponding connection inserts therein. More particularly, in this embodiment each receptacle includes a pair of holes extending through the transverse thickness (436) of the engagement member (402). Each pair of holes effectively includes two fragments of an otherwise cylindrical 32 mm diameter hole that has been axially bisected by a 6 mm long solid rectangular portion of the engagement member. For example, an exemplary receptacle (484) includes first and second parallel, planar surfaces (486) and (488), spaced apart by a distance of 6 mm. The planar surface (486) intersects at opposite sides thereof with an arch-shaped surface (490) having a radius of 16 mm from an axis (not shown) interposed equidistantly between the planar surfaces (486) and (488). Likewise, the planar surface (488) intersects at opposite sides thereof with a similar arch-shaped surface (492). The receptacles may be used to connect the engagement member to an object such as an attachment member for forming a pallet, as discussed in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 12, 14 and 15, in this embodiment the attachment portions, the holes and the connectors, such as those shown at (408), (462) and (482) for example, are linearly arranged in seven parallel rows extending along the engagement member (402) in the lengthwise direction (418). More particularly, in this embodiment, each of these seven parallel rows is disposed mid-way between adjacent recesses such as the recess (426), or in the case of the outside recesses, mid-way between the outside recess and the respective leg (440) or (442). Thus, for illustrative purposes, the hole (462) is shown in broken outline in FIG. 12.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 12, 14 and 16 to 20, in this embodiment each of the attachment portions, such as the attachment portion (408) for example, includes a gripping device shown generally at (500) in FIG. 16, configured to grip a strap extending from the object. In the present embodiment, each gripping device (500) includes a plurality of teeth (502) located to cooperate with a wall (504) of a cavity (506) defined in the engagement member (402), to grip the strap therebetween. More particularly, in this embodiment the gripping device (500) includes a serrated tongue (508) extending into the cavity (506), the teeth (502) being defined by serrations of the tongue (508). In this embodiment, the serrated tongue (508) is generally trapezoidal in cross-section, having a planar top surface (510) and a planar bottom surface (512) parallel to the top surface. In this embodiment, the top surface (510) of the serrated tongue has a leading linear edge (514) and two serrated edges (516) and (518), the serrations of these edges defining the teeth (502). The bottom surface (512) is rectangular in shape, and has a width (in the direction of the width (460)) of approximately 3 mm. In this embodiment, when the engagement member (402) is in the first configuration (404), the top surface (510) of the serrated tongue (508) is coplanar with the surface (422) of the engagement member, and the bottom surface (512) lies in a plane elevated 1 mm above the plane of the surface (424) of the engagement member (402). Thus, the serrated tongue (508) has a thickness defined between its top and bottom surfaces of 5 mm. The serrated tongue (508) further includes serrated sides (520) and (522) extending upward from the rectangular bottom surface (512) to the serrated top surface (510). In this embodiment, the cavity (506) has a total length of approximately 54 mm in the lengthwise direction (418), and the serrated tongue (508) extends approximately 38 mm into the length of the cavity (506).

[0126] The cavity (506) has a total width (in the direction of the width (460)) of approximately 17 mm, and extends completely through the transverse thickness (436) of the engagement member.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 14, 19 and 20, in the present embodiment the container (30) is provided with a plurality of straps shown generally at (530), including a long strap (532) and a short strap (534), for example, for attaching the engagement member (402) to the container (30). In this embodiment, the straps (530) are formed of a high strength webbing material, such as polyolefin webbing or polypropylene webbing, for example. The straps may be stitched or fastened to the container (30), or attached in any other suitable way. Alternative examples of suitable strap materials and attachment methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,062 to Shackleton. Alternatively, however, any other suitable materials or attachment methods may be substituted. In this embodiment, the straps (532) and (534) have respective transverse discontinuities, which in this embodiment include respective bulges (536) and (538) in the material of each strap.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 14, 16, 17, 19 and 20, to attach the engagement member (402) to the container (30), the engagement member (402) is bent into the second configuration (406) and is then placed beneath the container (30), with the row of connectors (482) positioned immediately beneath the location at which the straps (532) and (534) are connected to the container (30). The long strap (532) is pulled tightly around the top left surface of the engagement member (402) as shown in FIG. 20, and is then pulled over the leg (440), across the axis (420) and over the opposite leg (442), and across a portion of the top right surface of the engagement member as shown in FIG. 20. The long strap (532) is then forced downward through a cylindrical hole (540), and is then pulled back up through the attachment portion (408). More particularly, the long strap (532) is pulled up through a gap (542) defined between the side (522) of the serrated tongue (508) and a wall (544) of the cavity (506) of the attachment portion (408). In this embodiment, in the plane of the top surface (510) of the serrated tongue (508), the gap (542) ranges in width from a minimum of 2 mm at the point of each serration of the top edge (518) nearest the wall (544), to a maximum of 4 mm at the point of each serration of the top edge (518) farthest from the wall (544). Below the top surface (510), the gap (542) becomes progressively wider approaching the bottom surface (512) of the serrated tongue (508), reaching a maximum width of 7 mm at the plane of the bottom surface (512). The strap (532) is pulled through this gap (542) until the transverse discontinuity or bulge (536) has fully passed through the gap (542). The narrowest portions of the gap (542), which occur between the wall (544) of the cavity (506) and the points of the serrated edge (518) of the top surface (510) closest to the wall (544), are slightly narrower than the width of the compressible bulge (536), so that the bulge is compressed as it passes through the gap (542). Once the bulge (536) has fully passed through the gap (542), it re-expands to a greater width than the narrowest portions of the gap (542), so that the serrated edge (518) of the tongue (508) prevents the bulge (536) from travelling back down into the gap (542), thereby effectively locking the strap (532) in place.

[0129] If it is later decided to unlock the long strap (532), the strap may be pulled sideways in the lengthwise direction (418) past the leading linear edge (514) of the serrated tongue (508) into a distal portion of the cavity (506) into which the serrated tongue (508) does not extend, so that the strap (532) is located entirely in this distal portion of the cavity (506) and is no longer wedged in the gap (542) between the serrated edge (518) and the wall (544) of the cavity. Thus, the long strap (532), including its transverse discontinuity or bulge (536), may then be pulled back down through this distal portion of the cavity (506), without having to pass through the gap (542).

[0130] Similarly, to attach the short strap (534) to the engagement member (402) in the present embodiment, the short strap (534) is pulled tightly around the top right surface of the engagement member (402) as shown in FIG. 20, and is then forced downward through a cylindrical hole (546) defined in the engagement member (402). The short strap (534) is then pulled back up through the attachment portion (408), or more particularly, through a gap (548) defined between the side (520) of the serrated tongue (508) and the wall (504) of the cavity (506). The strap (534) is pulled through the gap (548) until the transverse discontinuity or bulge (538) has fully passed through the gap. Thus, in a manner similar to that discussed above in connection with the strap (532), the serrated edge (516) of the tongue (508) prevents the bulge (538) from travelling back down into the gap (548), effectively locking the strap (534) in place. Effectively, in the present embodiment the straps (532) and (534) act as a retainer engageable with the engagement member (402) to retain the engagement member in the second configuration (406).

[0131] It will be appreciated that for some applications, only a single pair of straps and a single attachment portion (408) will be sufficient to attach the engagement member (402) to the container (30) and retain the engagement member in the second configuration (406) in the above manner. For other applications, it may be desirable to attach a plurality of pairs of straps to a plurality of respective attachment portions of the engagement member. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, to provide greater flexibility, the engagement member (402) of the present embodiment includes ten attachment portions at various locations of the engagement member. Alternatively, however, other ways of retaining the engagement member in the second configuration (406) may be substituted.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 12, 14, 15 and 20, advantageously, in the present embodiment the sides of the engagement member (402) that extend in the lengthwise direction (418) have respective recesses defined therein, each of the recesses being shaped to define a clearance space for receiving a strap extending from the object. More particularly, in this embodiment the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442) are provided with respective strap recesses (550) and (552) for accommodating the long strap (532) therein when the engagement member (402) is in the second configuration (406). The strap recesses (550) and (552) extend into the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442) to a depth slightly greater than the thickness of the long strap (532). In this embodiment, the depth of each of the strap recesses (550) and (552) is approximately 2 mm. In the present embodiment, the strap recesses (550) and (552) extend along the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs for a length of 52 mm in the lengthwise direction (418), which is sufficient to accommodate the entire width of the long strap (532) therein. Accordingly, when the long strap (532) is wrapped around the legs (440) and (442) as shown in FIG. 20, the long strap is accommodated within the strap recesses (550) and (552), so that the outside surface of the long strap (532) is either flush with the outside surfaces (444) and (446), or slightly recessed within the legs (440) and (442). Thus, if the engagement member (402) is being used to support the container (30) above a surface such as the ground, the long strap (532) is not crushed between the legs (440) and (442) and the ground, and is not worn due to friction between itself and the ground. Similarly, the strap (532) does not protrude below the outside surfaces (444) and (446) of the legs (440) and (442) in the second configuration (406), and therefore does not adversely affect the balance of the engagement member (402). In this embodiment, similar strap recesses are provided elsewhere along the engagement member (402), or more particularly, extending into the outside surfaces (448), (450), (452) and (454) of the remaining legs of the engagement member, to accommodate straps that may be used with any of the other attachment portions of the engagement member. Alternatively, such strap recesses may be omitted if desired.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 13, 15 and 20, in this embodiment the engagement member (402) in the second configuration (406) is effectively shaped to define a first engagement channel (560) extending in the lengthwise direction (418) for receiving a lifting member such as a forklift tine therein, when the engagement member is in the second configuration (406). In this embodiment, the first engagement channel (560) is defined in a volume enclosed by the second surface (424) of the engagement portion (410), and a plane in which the long strap (532) of the present embodiment is disposed. In this embodiment, the first engagement channel (560) is sufficiently large to receive the forklift tine (or other lifting member or support) therein.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 12, 14 and 15, however, advantageously, in the present embodiment the engagement member (402) in the second configuration (406) also defines additional engagement channels that extend perpendicularly to the first engagement channel (560). To achieve this, in the present embodiment the engagement member (402) includes first and second opposing sides extending in the lengthwise direction (418), the sides having respective recesses defined therein. More particularly, in this embodiment the recesses include engagement channel recesses (570), (572), (574) and (576) shown in FIG. 14, defined in opposite sides of the engagement member (402). By way of example, the engagement channel recess (574), when in the first configuration (404), extends inward from the side of the engagement member in the direction of the width (460), and thus the engagement channel recess (574) has a depth (578), which in this embodiment is 38 mm, relative to the side of the engagement member (402). The engagement channel recess (574) has an inner wall (580) disposed at a distance of 230 mm from a center of length of the engagement member (402) or 380 mm from the second end (416), and has an outside wall disposed 430 mm from the center of length of the engagement member or 180 mm from the second end (416). Thus, the engagement channel recess (574) extends along the side of the engagement member for a length of 200 mm in the lengthwise direction (418). Similarly, the engagement channel recess (570) has an inner wall (586) disposed 230 mm from the center of length and 380 mm from the first end (414) of the engagement member, and has an outer wall (588) disposed at a distance of 430 mm from the center of length and 180 mm from the first end (414) of the engagement member. Thus, the engagement channel recess (570) also extends for a length of 200 mm along the side of the engagement member, and similarly, has a depth of 38 mm relative to the side of the engagement member. Likewise, the engagement channel recesses (572) and (576) are defined so as to have dimensions symmetrical to those of the recesses (570) and (574), relative to the central row of connectors (482). In this embodiment the legs (440) and (442), and the remaining similar legs (i.e., the further legs having outside surfaces (448), (450), (452) and (454)), do not extend lengthwise into the engagement channel defined between the engagement channel recesses (570) and (572), nor do they extend into the engagement channel defined by the engagement channel recesses (574) and (576).

[0135] Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 12 to 15 and 20, in the present embodiment, when the engagement member (402) is adjusted into the arch-shaped second configuration (406), the engagement channel recesses (570) and (572) are shaped to define a second engagement channel extending substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction (418) (or in other words, in the direction of the width (460) of the engagement member), for receiving a lifting member such as a forklift tine therein, when the engagement member (402) is in the second configuration (406). The second engagement channel has a height of slightly less than 38 mm (due to the arch shape of the second configuration) above the plane occupied by the outside surfaces (444), (446), (448), (450), (452) and (454) of the legs of the engagement member, and has a length of 200 mm in the lengthwise direction. Similarly, the engagement channel recesses (574) and (576) cooperate to define a third engagement channel having dimensions identical to those of the second engagement channel. The second and third engagement channels are parallel to one another, and are perpendicular to the first engagement channel (560). The spacing between the second and third engagement channels in the lengthwise direction (418) corresponds to the spacing between forklift tines of a typical forklift.

[0136] Accordingly, when a pair of engagement members such as the engagement member (402) are attached to the container (30), a forklift operator may choose to insert the forklift tines through the engagement members either in the lengthwise direction (418) (with each forklift tine extending through the first engagement channel (560) of a respective one of the engagement members), or alternatively, in the direction of the width (460) of the engagement members (with one forklift tine extending through the second engagement channel of both engagement members, and the other forklift tine extending through the third engagement channel of both engagement members). Advantageously, therefore, a forklift operator may insert the forklift tines into the engagement members from any of the four sides of the container (30), rather than having to approach the container from one of only two permissible sides.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 12, 21 and 22, an attachment member attachable to a pair of apparatuses (400) is shown generally at (600) in FIG. 21. In this embodiment, the attachment member (600) has first and second opposite ends (602) and (604), and is elongated in a direction extending between the first and second ends. In this embodiment the attachment member (600) is made of wood, however, any other suitable materials may be substituted for a given application.

[0138] In this embodiment, the attachment member (600) includes first and second connectors (606) and (608), protruding from a surface (610) of the attachment member in the vicinity of the first and second ends, respectively. In the present embodiment, the connectors (606) and (608) are complementary to the connectors (482) of the engagement member (402) shown in FIG. 12. More particularly, in this embodiment each of the connectors (606) and (608) includes a connection insert, insertable into any one of the receptacles (484) of the engagement member (402). Thus, the connector (606), for example, includes two fragments (612) and (614) of an otherwise cylindrical protrusion having a diameter of slightly less than 32 mm, extending with its axis normal to the surface (610), that is axially bisected by a rectangular gap (616) between the fragments (612) and (614). Due to the rectangular gap (616), which is centered about a diameter of the cylindrical protrusion and extends parallel to the lengthwise direction of the attachment member, the two fragments (612) and (614) have planar inner surfaces (one of which is shown at (618)) that are spaced apart by a uniform distance, which in this embodiment is slightly more than 6 mm. Thus, the fragments (612) and (614) of the connector (606) are insertable into the pair of holes of any one of the receptacles (484) of the engagement member (402).

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 12, 21 and 22, a system shown generally at (620) in FIG. 22 includes first and second apparatuses for facilitating supporting of an object, and further includes at least one attachment member attachable to the first and second apparatuses. More particularly, in this embodiment the system (620) includes the engagement member (402) in its second configuration (406), and further includes a second engagement member (702), which is identical to the engagement member (402) and is also in its second configuration. The engagement member (402) includes the row of connectors (482), and likewise the second engagement member (702) includes an identical row of connectors (782).

[0140] In this embodiment, the system (620) also includes the attachment member (600), and further includes second, third and fourth attachment members (632), (634) and 636), each of which is identical to the attachment member (600). To form the system (620) in the present embodiment, the engagement members (402) and (702) in their arch-shaped second configurations are placed upright (i.e., having their rows of connectors at the top of each arch, and their respective legs having their outside surfaces on the ground) in spaced apart parallel relation, with their respective rows of connectors (482) and (782) separated by a distance equal to the distance between the first and second connectors (606) and (608) of the attachment member (600). The attachment member (600), with the connectors (606) and (608) pointing downward, is then attached to the engagement members by lowering it onto the engagement members (402) and (702), so that the connector (606) of the attachment member (600) is fully inserted into one of the connectors (482) of the engagement member (402) near a first end thereof, and likewise, the connector (608) of the attachment member (600) is fully inserted into one of the connectors (782) of the engagement member (702) near a first end thereof. The attachment members (632), (634) and (636) are similarly attached to the engagement members (402) and (702) at various spaced apart locations along the lengthwise directions of the engagement members.

[0141] It will be appreciated that when the engagement member (402) is in the arch-shaped second configuration (406), the holes of the connectors (482) and (782) in the vicinity of the surface (424) are slightly compressed due to the curvature of the surface (424). Thus, this natural compression of the holes of the connectors (482) and (782) tends to provide a snug fit for the connectors (606) and (608), which may provide a sufficiently strong connection between the engagement members and the attachment members for some applications. Alternatively, however, if desired, the attachment member, or the engagement member, or both, may include a separate locking mechanism. For example, the connectors (606) and (608) of the attachment member (600) may protrude a sufficient distance (such as 15 mm, for example) from the surface (610) of the attachment portion, to enable them to more than fully protrude through the connectors of the engagement members, and may include respective compressible bulges (not shown) at their distal ends relative to the attachment member, so that the bulges re-expand when the distal ends of the connectors (606) and (608) have fully protruded through the holes of the connectors (482) and (782), thereby providing a resistance against forces that would otherwise tend to separate the attachment members from the engagement members. Alternatively, any other suitable way of locking or binding the attachment members to the engagement members may be substituted.

[0142] Thus, referring to FIGS. 14, 20 and 22, the system (620) shown in FIG. 22 effectively provides a skid or pallet, suitable for supporting one or more heavy objects thereon. As noted, due to fact that the first engagement channel (560) of the engagement member (402) and the corresponding first engagement channel of the engagement member (702) are perpendicular to the second and third engagement channels formed by the engagement channel recesses (570), (572), (574) and (576) of the engagement member (402) and by the corresponding engagement channel recesses of the engagement member (702), a forklift operator may insert forklift tines into the engagement members from any one of the four sides of the system (620).

[0143] Although the foregoing illustrative embodiments of the invention have been discussed in the context of facilitating supporting of a container, alternatively, embodiments of the invention may be employed to facilitate supporting of other types of objects.

[0144] For example, referring back to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 22, two or more engagement members, such as that shown at (22) in FIG. 2 for example, may be attached to a rigid planar object such as a sheet of plywood for example, to effectively form a pallet. Various other items may then be placed on top of the pallet so formed, and the forklift tines (38) and (40) shown in FIG. 3 or other lifting members may be inserted into or otherwise engaged with the engagement members, to lift the pallet. Alternatively, or in addition, the engagement members may be used to engage the support surface (42) shown in FIG. 4, to support the pallet above the surface. Alternatively, rather than using a rigid planar object, attachment members such as those shown in FIG. 22 for example, may be attached to the engagement members to form the skid or pallet.

[0145] Conversely, referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, numerous variations of the attachment members (600), (632), (646) and (636) may be substituted. For example, if desired, a rigid planar object such as a sheet of plywood may be provided with respective rows of connectors similar to the connectors (606) and (608), for engaging with the corresponding connectors (482) and (782) of the engagement members (402) and (702). Similarly, it will be appreciated that the precise nature of the attachment member connectors (606) and (608) and corresponding engagement member connectors (482) and (782) may be varied, by substituting any suitable device or structure for attaching the attachment member(s) to the engagement members.

[0146] As a further alternative, although the various specific embodiments described above involved elongated engagement members having lengths comparable to the lengths of the objects to which they were attachable, alternatively, other lengths, sizes or dimensions of engagement members may be substituted, as appropriate for a particular application. For example, a plurality of shorter engagement members may be substituted for a longer engagement member.

[0147] As yet another alternative, the orientations of the engagement members when attached to the object may be varied for some applications. For example, for some applications it may be possible to invert the engagement members relative to their orientations as shown in the aforementioned Figures. Similarly, for other applications it may be possible to attach the engagement members to portions other than a bottom of an upright object, such as the sides or the top, for example.

[0148] Although the engagement members described above have been shown to be adjustable from their first configurations to their second configurations for engaging a support, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the engagement member will also be adjustable from the second configuration back to the first configuration.

[0149] For example, referring back to FIGS. 5 and 6, the engagement member (22) may be adjusted from the second configuration (26) shown in FIG. 6 back to the first configuration (24) shown in FIG. 5, by removing the retainer (110) shown in FIG. 6, and by pivoting the first and second side portions (72) and (74) by 90° clockwise and counterclockwise respectively from their orientations shown in FIG. 6, to return the engagement member to the first configuration (24). Similarly, referring back to FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11, the engagement members (202) and (302) may be restored from their respective second configurations (206) and (306) to their respective first configurations (204) and (304), by disengaging their respective retainers (240) and (340), and bending the engagement members or allowing them to bend back into their respective first configurations. The other specific embodiments disclosed herein may also be adjusted from their second configurations back to their first configurations.

[0150] Such embodiments may be particularly useful for so-called “multiple trip” embodiments, in which re-usable objects such as re-usable bulk containers, and re-usable engagement members, are employed. In such embodiments, it may be preferable for the engagement members to include a durable material, such as durable plastic for example. Alternatively, however, for many other applications, such as “single trip” embodiments in which a disposable object such as a disposable bulk container and a disposable engagement member are to be used, it is typically unnecessary for the engagement member to be re-adjustable back into its original first configuration.

[0151] More generally, while specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object, the apparatus comprising an engagement member attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration to a second configuration in which said engagement member is configured to engage a support.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member occupies less volume in said first configuration than in said second configuration.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member is configured to engage a lifting member, when in said second configuration.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said engagement member is configured to engage a forklift tine, when in said second configuration.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said engagement member is shaped to define a channel in the engagement member for receiving the lifting member therein, when in said second configuration.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member is configured to engage a support surface to support the object above the surface, when in said second configuration.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member comprises: (a) an attachment portion for attaching said engagement member to the object; and (b) an engagement portion for engaging the support.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said engagement portion comprises a central portion and at least one side portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said at least one side portion comprises first and second side portions disposed on opposite sides of said central portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said central portion and said at least one side portion are substantially coplanar in said first configuration and are non-coplanar in said second configuration.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said central portion and said at least one side portion are substantially perpendicular in said second configuration.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said at least one side portion is pivotally connected to said central portion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a pivotal connector pivotally connecting said at least one side portion to said central portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said pivotal connector comprises fabric material attached to said central portion and to said at least one side portion.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said engagement member is adjustable between said first configuration and said second configuration by pivoting said at least one side portion relative to said central portion.
 16. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a retainer engageable with said at least one side portion to retain said engagement member in said second configuration.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein: (a) said at least one side portion comprises first and second side portions pivotally connected to opposite sides of said central portion; and (b) said retainer comprises a retainer clip engageable with said first and second side portions.
 18. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein: (a) said engagement member has first and second ends and extends in a lengthwise direction therebetween; and (b) said engagement portion is substantially planar in said first configuration and is curved about an axis parallel to the lengthwise direction in said second configuration.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said engagement member comprises legs at opposite sides thereof.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein each of said legs extends from a side of said engagement member in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of said engagement portion in said first configuration.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said engagement member is shaped to define a first engagement channel extending in the lengthwise direction for receiving a lifting member therein, when in said second configuration.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said engagement member comprises first and second opposing sides extending in the lengthwise direction, said sides having respective recesses defined therein.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said recesses are shaped to define a second engagement channel extending substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction for receiving the lifting member therein, when said engagement member is in said second configuration.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein each of said recesses is shaped to define a clearance space for receiving a strap extending from the object.
 25. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said engagement portion comprises first and second opposing surfaces, said second surface defining a plurality of spaced apart recesses in said engagement portion, each of the recesses extending along said engagement portion in the lengthwise direction.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein each of said recesses defined by said second surface is V-shaped when in said first configuration.
 27. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein each of said recesses is defined by first and second intersecting walls formed by said second surface, wherein said first wall has a protrusion extending therefrom, and wherein said second wall has a complementary recess shaped to snugly receive said protrusion therein when said engagement portion is in said second configuration.
 28. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said engagement member is adjustable from said first to said second configuration by bending said engagement portion about the axis with said second surface at a lesser distance from the axis than said first surface, whereby said recesses are reduced in width.
 29. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said attachment portion comprises fabric material attached to said first surface of said engagement portion.
 30. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said attachment portion comprises a gripping device for gripping a strap extending from the object.
 31. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said engagement member is adjustable from said first to said second configuration by bending said engagement portion about the axis with said second surface at a greater distance from the axis than said first surface, whereby said recesses are expanded in width.
 32. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a retainer for retaining said engagement member in said second configuration.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said retainer comprises a portion of said attachment portion.
 34. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said attachment portion comprises fabric material.
 35. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said attachment portion comprises at least one fastener for releasably fastening to the object.
 36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said at least one fastener comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.
 37. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said attachment portion comprises a surface of said engagement portion.
 38. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said attachment portion comprises a gripping device configured to grip a strap extending from the object.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said gripping device comprises a plurality of teeth located to cooperate with a wall of a cavity defined in the engagement member, to grip the strap therebetween.
 40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said gripping device comprises a serrated tongue extending into the cavity, said teeth being defined by serrations of said tongue.
 41. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a retainer engageable with said engagement member to retain said engagement member in said second configuration.
 42. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member is adjustable from said second configuration to said first configuration.
 43. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member is substantially planar in said first configuration.
 44. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member is non-planar in said second configuration.
 45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said engagement member is curved in said second configuration.
 46. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said engagement member is arch-shaped in said second configuration.
 47. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said engagement member comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein said second portion is substantially perpendicular to said first portion in said second configuration.
 48. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member comprises corrugated cardboard.
 49. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member comprises wood.
 50. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member comprises plastic.
 51. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engagement member comprises polyethylene.
 52. A system comprising the apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising the object.
 53. The system of claim 52 wherein said object comprises a container.
 54. The system of claim 53 wherein said container comprises a flexible intermediate bulk container.
 55. The system of claim 52 further comprising a second apparatus as defined by claim 1, and wherein said object comprises an attachment member attachable to said apparatus and to said second apparatus.
 56. An apparatus for facilitating supporting of an object, the apparatus comprising: (a) means for attaching an engagement member to the object; and (b) means for adjusting the engagement member from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support.
 57. A method of facilitating supporting of an object, the method comprising adjusting an engagement member attachable to the object from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support. 